A new purpose-built indoor heated pool has opened at one of the region’s main aquatic centres.
The 20m pool is part of Sunshine Coast Council’s $14 million upgrade of the Kawana Aquatic Centre.
Stage one of the upgrade is now complete. It includes the five-lane pool along with new structures, plant and equipment.
The second stage will deliver a new building, amenities, kiosk and additional car parking, with works expected to start during the next few months. It includes a $938,000 contribution from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace was delighted to see the project coming to life.
“With stage one now complete, residents will be making the most of the state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.
“Who knows, with the Paris Olympics just around the corner … we could see future Australian Olympians and Paralympians begin to chase their dreams at the Kawana Aquatic Centre.”
Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 councillor Tim Burns said the new pool was purpose-built for teaching water safety programs.
He said the centre was one of the best swimming venues on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Kawana Aquatic Centre attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year and is a highly valued swimming facility for our region,” Cr Burns said.
“As part of our thriving sporting heart, this centre supports the Kawana Sports Precinct, which includes the nearby Sunshine Coast Stadium and Lake Kawana.
“These elite-standard facilities host many local, national and international sporting events, training camps and competitions each year.
“Many locals are taking advantage of the centre’s reputable swim school and squad training, and this new learn-to-swim pool is a real gem for our community.”
Stage one works boast environmentally considerate operating systems, including state-of-the-art controls and a roof-mounted solar system for power generation.
Kawana Aquatic Centre is operated by lessee City Venue Management (CVM), providing the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.
CVM managing director Jay Clarke said the centre’s swim school, run by Rackley Swimming, understood swimming was more than just a recreational activity.
“Swimming is a fundamental aspect of Australian culture and lifestyle,” he said.
“From beach outings to creek adventures, the ability to swim with confidence opens doors to endless aquatic experiences.
“With our new state-of-the-art indoor facility, families can enjoy swimming all year round.”
Sunshine Coast Council appointed local building firm Murphy Builders as the primary building contractor to deliver stage one works for the centre.
The centre has three heated swimming pools built to cater for lessons, fitness or leisure. It offers a range of facilities and programs for all ages and abilities.
It features a 50m outdoor pool, 25m pool that can cater for diving and water polo, and the new five-lane 20m indoor heated learn-to-swim facility with all-abilities access ramp.
The Kawana centre is one of nine council-owned aquatic centres in the region. The others are at Beerwah, Caloundra, Buderim, Cotton Tree, Coolum, Palmwoods, Nambour and Eumundi.
All facilities are operated by council contract partners, which provide the day-to-day site operation, programming and access for the community.
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